Council of Europe

The revised European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage reflects an evolution in attitudes towards the protection of the archaeological heritage and echoes many of the principles that are included in the ICOMOS Charter for the Protection and Management of the Archaeological Heritage of 1990. The Convention defines the archaeological heritage and identifies measures for its protection including the creation of inventories for sites and monuments and the creation of archaeological reserves. The Convention addresses the prevention of illicit excavation and trade of the archaeological heritage. It also recommends the integration of conservation with planning and development, calls for financing of archaeological research and conservation, and the collection and dissemination of information regarding the archaeological heritage. It recommends efforts to promote public awareness and suggests mutual technical and scientific assistance through pooling of expertise and exchanges of experts.